Llangadog Angling Limited - Fishery News!

Member dedication!

2012-01-22T11:52:00.000-08:00

Here is a good example of extreme member dedication!

Recent recruit Sandy Newlands has informed me that he is so dedicated to fishing the river and catching very little - like many of us of late I might add - that this season he is going to try radically new tactics!

He has decided to fish without a fly attached in the hope that any sewin that might be around finds it so funny that it is tempted to practice it's jumping skills by leaping with joy over his fly line and thereby inadvertently finishing up landing on the bank beside him! He tells me he intends to start practising this innovative technique this weekend! I reckon you could double your chances of catching Sandy - might try it myself!

Annual General Meeting and Presentations!

2012-01-08T12:37:00.001-08:00

Dear All

This years AGM will be held on Friday 27th January 2012 at the Community Centre in Llangadog and LAL presentations will be made in the Goose and Cuckoo. The cost to members will be £10.00 for the excellent buffet! I urge all members to attend because it is a time where everyone can express their views! Also I strongly recommend the buffet and drinks in the Goose and Cuckoo - great crack!!!!

See you there

kingfisher

The new season is approaching!

2012-01-04T13:33:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to you all.

With the new season approaching I hope you have had lots of fishing tackle for Christmas? I didn't get any this year but never mind!

I don't know about you but I can't wait to be on the river despite the poor seasons of late. I can't wait to to admire that star ladened sky on a warm summer night, in shirt sleeves with a rod in hand whilst walking the river bank, my thoughts full of anticipation of hooking my first sewin of the season! Magical! I believe there will be a couple of weekends where we can help with bank maintenance etc and of course the AGM? I will keep you posted as soon as I know. Wishing you all a lucky season! Tight lines!

kingfisher

Grilse caught!

2011-09-16T13:29:00.001-07:00

Chris Morris caught this 4 1/2 lb beauty last week!

Salmon on the run?

2011-09-14T14:07:00.000-07:00

Eifion has kindly sent in this report.

A salmon of 12 lb was caught by Liam Blofield on Monday and Jeff Woodall also caught a 10lb fish this morning. A few fish have been reported showing in the main runs!

Looks promising - I'm on my way down in the morning! Tight lines everyone!

kingfisher gets an 8 lb sewin!

2011-08-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

Spent one night fishing on Thursday and managed a lovely 8 lb fish! There were fish running through but I was the only angler from what I could see on the river that night! I also took a photo of Keith Wilkes landing a 3 lb sewin caught on the worm during the day. Picture not very good but I was about 1/3 mile away at the time doing some wildlife photography. There weren't many birds about so his activities caught my eye!

Latest report from kingfisher!

2011-08-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

I spent a couple of nights on the river last week and lost a good fish (probably in the 6 - 7 lb category)! I had the fish on for 30 secs or so and just as I started walking back to the bank it released itself! Never mind at least there is the odd fish about!

I happened to bump in to Roger Howell who told me that he had caught a nice 2 1/2 lb fish recently and that Jeff who lives in the Station House had caught a 10 1/2 lb fish! I have no other information on Jeff's fish, whether he caught it on fly, spinner or worm I don't know! Perhaps he might like to let us all know more about it especially as it's a big fish?

The river seems to have gone rather quiet!

2011-08-16T04:10:00.001-07:00

Having not fished myself now for a couple of weeks, mainly due to the unsettled weather prospects that seem to prevail every time I consider a trip, I have been making a few enquiries with my angling companions. Tony Gregory tells me that the fishing effort that he has seen has been fairly low with often only a couple of anglers to be seen. He reports having caught a nice 4 lb sewin last week and also tells me that his friend Jonathan got 2 fish last week of about 2 lb a piece. Otherwise he knows of no other catches! If you know different why not let us know?

Tight lines

kingfisher

Tim Wilkinson's latest report!

2011-08-07T12:16:00.000-07:00

This report submitted by Tim:-

'I went out last Wednesday and Friday night. I lost a couple of nice fish! There were a fair number of fish showing every now and then as they ran through. Friday night seemed quieter overall with less fish showing. I managed a nice 6 lb sewin Friday night which takes my total to 3 now so far this season'.

Sounds as though Tim is enjoying his season and well done to him for sticking it out!

As Hugh Falkus said ".......in the end the sewin fisherman's reward may not be great, it will however be highly creditable. A single capture is a triumph; more than that constitutes a glorious night's sport".

Latest report!

2011-08-04T08:48:00.001-07:00

Tony Gregory tells me that he caught 2 very fresh fish last Saturday night, 3 1/2 lb and 2 lb. in weight. He reckons there were quite a few fish moving but the fish that he caught were taken before midnight!

New follower!

2011-07-31T14:57:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to see Keith Wilkes has become the latest follower of this blog which brings the total followers to 8! That means that he will get an email every time any reports are published on the blog thereby keeping him completely up to date with the latest catches and prospects!

I met Keith the other day on the river and he told me that his total catch for this season stands at 16 to date! The biggest sewin he has caught this season is 4 1/2 lb.

Welcome aboard Keith!

Latest report!

2011-07-31T14:39:00.000-07:00

Rodney Byles fished Saturday night and managed to catch 2 sewin of about 2 lb each whilst John Banner caught 1 fish of a similar size. They both report having seen some very big fish running through but unfortunately these monsters wouldn't play ball! Lets hope things improve for August?

Kingfisher reports on 3 nights fishing on the river!

2011-07-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

Having spent 3 nights, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday fishing on the river I have to report a very mixed bag!

Wednesday night was quite exciting, especially late on when a few fish started pushing on through. I personally got a fresh fish of 1 1/2 lb but lost 2 big 'lumps'! Tim Wilkinson from Kidderminster used all his skills to capture a lovely 7 lb fish, the second fish of the season for him! Rodney Byles from Buckinghamshire had a couple of good pulls but failed to connect!

Thursday and Friday nights were dead with very few fish showing and no evidence of fishing running. Very disappointing!

Tim with his cracking 7 lb sewin!

Rising water levels prove productive for spinners!

2011-07-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

Heavy rain on Thursday evening and overnight brought the river level up by Friday morning to at about 2 ft above the normal summer level with a fair bit of colour! Some nice fish were caught including the one below by Geoff Woodall which weighed in at exactly 10 lb! Geoff was fishing with his two boys which is nice to see! I saw another fish caught by an unknown angler that looked like 7 lb or more! Well done Geoff! However, I was surprised that Geoff made his youngest son carry the fish back to the car park, all the way from the bottom beat, some 1 1/2 miles despite the fact that he (his son) hadn't even caught it in the first place! I do not know the boys name but suggest that he asks his Dad for some 'extra' pocket money this week as compensation!!!!!

On a more serious note, whilst I was preparing to fish the tail end of Crewel Pool by the 'tin hut' and while I was tying on a mepp's lure I was surprised and shocked at an angler who just walked up out of nowhere and started spinning the pool where I was about to start fishing right under my nose!! When I tackled him about his cheek he just told me that he would 'get in behind me'? Where would that be I wondered? 'We used to fish 3 anglers here years ago' he said! What on 3 or 4 yards of river bank I wondered? I was shocked to experience this kind of inconsiderate behaviour on our river. I don't know his name but he was 60 ish, well built with grey hair and a beard I think. If he reads this he will know it is him! We could do without people like this on the river in my opinion! He was still there a couple of hours later when I returned so he obviously had a game plan! Ignorant, selfish, inconsiderate are a few words that spring to mind.

Have you experienced a similar thing to this? Maybe from the same guy? Please let me know if you have!

From what I have seen today (Friday) before I had to leave, if the rain stays away over the weekend then the fly could well come out possibly Saturday night but more likely Sunday night. Also, talking of coming out, Eifion has threatened to take up the fly! I offered him some tuition which he has accepted so watch this space for further updates!

Huge Lamprey?

2011-07-20T01:47:00.000-07:00

Geoff Ryan has kindly sent in this picture that he took whilst crossing the river recently. The quality is not the best as it was taken with a mobile phone but you can see the length of this beast compared to the fishing rod. It must be 3 or 4 feet in length I guess. Amazing! Have you seen any interesting things on the river lately? Animals, fish, insects or plants? I am sure many of our followers would be interested to know and if you have pictures that that would be even better. Only a handful of you are sending me fishing reports, which is disappointing as I and they are making a supreme effort this season to make this blog the 'one to follow'! Please send your fishing reports to me kingfisher at kingfisherajh@yahoo.co.uk

Running fish!

2011-07-19T13:25:00.000-07:00

Tim Wilkinson reports:

I was down with Sandy last Friday night and I've never seen so many sewin going through! They were jumping in the pool tails at 8.30 pm while it was still light and this continued right through until I left the river at about 3.00 am! It was extremely frustrating as I only had one decent sewin pull all night! It was enough to drive me crazy.

Big fish lost!

2011-07-17T12:40:00.000-07:00

New member Sandy Newland's reports that he lost 2 very big fish on Friday night (double figure monsters)! Despite heavy rain he continued fishing yet still had many offers as well. He says that there were fish running through in large numbers and many were really large fish too! Others fishing that night didn't connect as far as he is aware. Bad luck Sandy!

Latest news from Llangadog

2011-07-15T13:14:00.000-07:00

There are definitely a few fish around!

Geoff from Swansea (can't remember his surname) had a fresh 2 lb sewin on Wednesday night and I too had a 2 lb fish on Thursday night taking my total for this season to 4 fish. There are fish showing on the flats, nothing massive that I have seen but probably up to 5 lb or so. These fish have proved difficult to catch however most probably because of rapidly dropping temperatures after dark and a full moon - although I would say the former is the most likely culprit! Fishing effort on Wed / Thurs on the flats was about 6 or 7 anglers each night! What is needed now is high pressure and some warm nights and then I think catches would improve. With rain forecast this weekend I would recommend that those of you travelling a distance to the river check out the water level link at the bottom of this page before setting out! Tight lines!

Latest report from Tony Gregory!

2011-07-11T05:04:00.000-07:00

Tony has kindly sent me a text updating me on the fishing prospects. He caught a 9 lb sewin last night which was as fresh as a fish off the tide! He also reports having seen fish moving through as the river height was a bit on the high side but clearing nicely! Prospects for the next week look pretty good I would say so if you haven't already done so get those fly rods out, dust them off and experience some action!

Tight lines

Fishing prospects appear to be improving

2011-07-04T02:54:00.000-07:00

Having spent 3 nights on the river last week there appears to be a few fish making an appearance! I caught 3 myself ranging from 1lb to 6lb. Tony Gregory caught a magnificent 10lb sewin and returned it! Jonathan, one of TG's fishing pals got a lovely 2lb fish. New member Sandy Newlands got his reward with a 7lb fish on Saturday night. I imagine he is well truly hooked now. Well done Sandy! Lets hope they keep on coming!

200 Club winners!

2011-06-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

The list for the first three months of this years 200 club draw

April

1st Rob Davies Llangadog

2nd Ceri Davies Carmarthen

3Rd Clive Evans Crymych

May

1st Alun Davies Llandeilo

2nd Peter Percival Llandeilo

3rd I.M. Vaughan Derwydd

June

1st Hilda Roderick Llangadog

2nd D. Roberts Llangadog

3rd T.Jones Ammanford

Few fish about?

2011-06-06T14:45:00.000-07:00

Spent a couple of nights on the river last week and failed to get any sport! There seems to be the odd fish about but that's all at the moment. Please let me have your reports on the fishing prospects.

Another Black Cat encounter?

2011-05-26T11:57:00.000-07:00

A fellow angler by the name of 'backlead' posted a comment on the previous Black Cat post. I thought it was so graphically written that I have chosen to publish it here as well! Thank you 'backlead' for sharing your experience with us!

I saw one last year as I was leaving the trash pool, upstream of where our beat finishes on the Cross Hands water, upstream of Llangadog road bridge. I chased it into the corner of the sheep field not knowing what I was looking at. It cleared the 3ft fence plus the ditch in one jump silently and disappeared off to the right. I squeaked it back as I would a fox and it's eyes glided to a halt the other side of the fence in front of me. It's eyes were wider set and bigger than that of a fox plus they were amazingly bright in my head-torch! It wasn't until it turned to walk away that I could see clearly the size and shape of it. It was a huge black cat!

Donation tube repaired!

2011-05-19T15:09:00.001-07:00

Just to let you know that Eifion has now repaired the broken donation tube on the flats on the bottom beat below Crewel Pool!

Black cat?

2011-05-13T15:02:00.000-07:00

Members will not be surprised to learn that the cat has been sited again! An angler recently saw it when fishing the Cattle Drink Pool! He spotted the animal and noticed that it proceeded to follow him back to the car! Any anglers who do see it are advised to notify the Club Secretary or other official. Kingfisher who regularly camps on the river has started leaving a saucer of milk out and a bowl of kit-e-cat out in the hope of attracting the beast!

New donation pipes installed

2011-05-10T13:51:00.000-07:00

Will ALL Anglers please be aware that 2 donation pipes have been inserted into the river, one just below where we park at Devannah in the run 200 m down with steps leading down to it and the other is under the branch of the pine/fir tree in the Bridge Pool on the top stretch of the Road Bridge beat. Both are tied to the bank.

Has the sewin run started?

2011-04-04T00:24:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't use any of the forums and I'm afraid that I am one of them, I am told that a 2lb sewin has been caught on the river on an Ally's Shrimp fly! Obviously an angler hoping to get into a spring salmon! There is no mention of which section of the river it was caught but from the picture I have seen it looked very fresh indeed. Could this be the start of our early sewin run? We will have to wait and see!

Tight lines

kingfisher

Work party report!

2011-03-24T14:56:00.000-07:00

Jeff has kindly sent this report about the success of the work party!

I have attached a photo of Sundays crew (same old faces I'm afraid) 'trying' to reinforce Crewil. Emyr and I will be there Sunday with more steel sheets and the angle grinder. Oh what a joy - can't wait! We also built a style further down the river. Have spent a couple of days clearing that ugly patch of willows opposite Devanah, with the help of my good lady Kim and club member Jeff Rideout.

Looking great! Will also be adding a bench on that patch if I have time on Saturday.

Hope all is well ?

Regards

Jeff

Open access for all?

2011-03-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

Eifion has kindly alerted me to this article in the Western Mail that many anglers may be interested to read?

kingfisher

Open access for all to Welsh rivers remains an unlikely prospect
by Our Correspondent, Western Mail
Mar 15 2011
5Share
Richard Owen puts the anglers’ view

NINE months have passed since the National Assembly’s Sustainability Committee published its report on Access to Inland Water in Wales, and six have passed since the Assembly adopted the committee’s 13 recommendations “without objection”.

As is widely known, the principal recommendation was that the way forward for increased public access to the waterways of Wales was by means of Voluntary Access Agreements between landowners, fisheries interests and prospective users.

At the same time, Assembly legislation to bring about open access to waterways 24/7, free of charge and as a matter of right, was specifically ruled out.

So what has happened in the intervening time? The short answer is that Voluntary Access Agreements are still trying to find their way into the workings of the Welsh countryside, but there are serious obstacles in the way.

Riparian and angling interests continue to express a willingness to sit down and negotiate with the parties wanting access to their waters, which now include a powerful and growing “wild” swimming lobby – including the Minister Jane Davidson herself on her own coy admission – as well as canoeing and rafting.

But Canoe Wales remains adamant they are going to “continue to take de facto access where and when it suits them”, and for some time have been refusing to recognise existing access agreements or enter into new ones, whether directly or on behalf of affiliated clubs.

Anyone doubting their resolve in this need look no further than the two access-related workshops recently commissioned by Welsh Assembly Government and run in Corwen and Brecon by Resources for Change, the Welshpool-based consultancy: although invited, Canoe Wales boycotted both.

This adamant position, besides acting as a bar to progress, brings into question Canoe Wales’ entitlement to continue as the sport’s governing body, and its eligibility for further development or revenue grants from the Sports Council for Wales.

The workshops have highlighted the diversity of the positions of the interested parties across Wales. For instance, riparian interests on the Dee are looking for “closed” agreements with canoeists, with dates and numbers tightly controlled, and in return for payment. On the Usk, the lower river proprietors are resisting pressure from their own Wye & Usk Foundation to enter into fresh agreements with canoeists, but for which they cannot see a compelling need.

And on the Teifi, fisheries interests are looking with ever-increasing concern for an end to the present anarchy centred on the Llandysul Paddlers’ headquarters, which sees 15,000 visiting canoeists every year, plus local paddlers, helping themselves to whatever access on the river they fancy, and without a single access agreement anywhere in sight.

All of this underscores the need for Voluntary Access Agreements to be locally drawn up, at least on a per river basis, but with many rivers requiring a series of agreements if access over any distance is being sought. The idea seems to be broadly welcomed, but it also makes the point that all parties are in for a long haul.

By the same token, the “lead authority” recommendation from the Sustainability Committee to facilitate access agreements will only come into operation in the medium or long term, if ever.

And renewed fears of legislation to bring about full open access – already the subject of mutterings in the fisheries lobby even though the idea was supposed to have been killed off for good by the Sustainability Committee – remain highly far-fetched, because of the Assembly’s unknown political makeup after May, despite this month’s referendum giving it additional legislative powers.

Canoe Wales has been invited to respond to this article in next week’s Country & Farming.

Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/countryside-farming-news/countryside-news/2011/03/15/open-access-for-all-to-welsh-rivers-remains-an-unlikely-prospect-91466-28334354/#ixzz1GmvlPwtY

4th March Meeting and Work Party Notice!

2011-03-07T13:02:00.000-08:00

Following our meeting on Friday 4th March see below the main points of interest:-

Nicholas Sturge from Worcestershire accepts invitation to join as Guest Committee Member

Llangadog Angling will join Welsh Salmon and Trout Angling Association (W.S.T.A.A) to ensure fight against canoes continues as well as supporting any legal actions against canoe trespass

Eifion and Emyr have been down the river on Tuesday last week and a working party will go on the river to do various items such as tree lopping, access path to Crewil Pool, strimming, new signage, posts and stiles and a general clean up on Sunday 20th March at 10 a.m all to meet down the bottom of Devannah. Bring shovels, picks, strimmer saws etc the more the merrier and if the weather is bad the same time on the 27th March

Anglers to be nominated to provide scales for Sea Trout investigations

The river has survived the harsh winter!

2011-03-04T03:45:00.000-08:00

I went for a walk yesterday down the river. It was a gorgeous day, blue sky and sunshine. There are a couple of tree branches fell down across the path in Crewel and the donation tube at the bottom of our beat needs a new plastic end fitting, other than that everything looks pretty good I think! I did create a bit of a stir at one point but you will have to read my own blog under Links to find out about that!

Join the 200 Club - if you're not in it you can't win it!

2011-03-01T13:07:00.000-08:00

If you haven't already joined the 200 club then it's not too late! Send your cheque for £5.00 to the Club Treasurer and get your chance to win a prize every month! The draw is not restricted to members only in fact every member of your family can take part for a subscription fee of £5.00 per person. Rodney Byles, who has been a member of the Club for many years, entered his grandson Alfie into the draw last year and guess what? Granddad won nought but little Alfie won a fantastic prize which his mother has invested for him!

The amount of prize money depends on the funds generated from membership but you can be sure that 50% of the total fund is given back out in prize money and 50% goes to the club funds.

Better still - the winners of every monthly draw will be announced on this blog! Watch this space!

Send your subscriptions to:-

Mr Eric Jones (Treasurer)

6 Bryn Iago

Llangadog

Carmarthenshire

SA19 6LL

Then keep your finger crossed!!!!

Access to Water? - the saga continues

2011-02-23T10:24:00.000-08:00

All

Please find below the Ministers answer to a question re: Access to Water.

Best wishes,

Rachel

DeHavilland Alert

^^ Countryside Alliance - Wales - Welsh Written Answer

Nick Bourne (Mid and west Wales): What is the Minister doing to promote access to inland waterways in Wales. (WAQ57093)

Answer issued on 10 February 2011

The Welsh Assembly Government has been keen to secure more opportunities for the public and visitors to Wales to enjoy Wales’ extensive water resources on a responsible, safe and sustainable basis. We have been working with partners to find ways of encouraging local access agreements which allow for arrangements to suit the specific needs of local interests and environment. As a part of this work I chair the Water Recreation Ministerial Advisory Group (WRMAG - Round Table) which is made up of a broad range of water interests, including, the Environment Agency, the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, as well as angling and canoeing interests. A sub-group of the WRMAG has also been established to facilitate local agreements.

In addition to this there is an official led Water Related Recreation Steering Group, formed to implement the Environment Agency’s Strategic Action Plan for Wales on water recreation, published in 2008. The Plan reviews existing provision and identifies potential opportunities and locations for new and improved water access. As a result work is due to be completed within the next two months of a map identifying opportunities for access to water which will be made available on the CCW website; and an over-arching code of conduct for water related recreation is being developed. Further codes will then be developed which will be directed specifically towards particular water activities.

Through the Splash Fund we have also provided in excess of ?1.2 million over three years to support practical action to increase opportunities for water related recreation, which has supported over 60 projects throughout Wales so far. I have also secured over ?400,000 in funding for 2011/12 to continue this work.

Finally, workshops are being organised for those local people who are most likely to be involved in negotiating local water access arrangements and agreements. The objective for the workshops is to show how a consistent and systematic approach to access arrangements can be balanced and combined with a flexible approach which allows for local circumstances; thereby promoting awareness, understanding and take-up of access agreements on some key stretches of inland water within Wales.

Work parties?

2011-02-21T13:07:00.000-08:00

It will soon be time to do a few jobs around the beats so no doubt Eifion will be getting in touch with me soon to let me know some dates well in advance?

If any of you would be prepared to help out then please let me know by leaving me a comment on this page. I will post the working party dates as soon as I get them.

I know there is another donation tube to be positioned either at the Road Bridge or the Car Park Pool. Also I would like to see some steps cut out or a ladder fixed just above Crewel to facilitate an easy crossing of the river at that point, save having to negotiate Heart Attack Hill! If you have any suggestions then please let me know and I will pass your requests on to Eifion.

Tight lines

kingfisher

Why not follow this blog?

2011-02-13T04:43:00.000-08:00

There are lots of interesting topics and news that appear on this blog and we certainly wouldn't want any of you to miss out on any important announcements! The easy way to make sure you keep bang up to date is to 'follow this blog'!

All you need to do is click on 'follow this blog' at the bottom of this page - you will need an account to sign in but all that entails is you registering your email address and deciding on a password - it's simple! Once you have registered as a follower you will automatically get emails telling you when the blog has been updated in any way! That way you will be the first to hear about catches, water conditions and of course any topical news that may occur!

Go on - register now - Follow Llangadog Angling on this blog!

Cormorants galore!

2011-02-07T05:58:00.000-08:00

Rodney Byles has kindly sent me this article from the Grayling Society Magazine which I think many of you will find interesting.

Fishermen shoot 2,000 cormorants

Fishermen shot more than 2,000 cormorants last year after the Government decided to sanction the killing of the so-called "crows of the sea".

Numbers of the large seabird have increased from around 18,000 in the late 90s to to more than 21,000.

However this has brought then into conflict with fishermen who say the birds can eat hundreds of fish every day from fish farms and reservoirs.

With their almost reptilian appearance, the birds are regarded by many as sinister and greedy, although conservationists point out that the UK holds internationally important wintering numbers.

A survey by Swansea University found that most fisheries have a problem with cormorants and they are considered a more dangerous predator than mink or otters.

Natural England, that hands out licences to kill the birds, said the number of birds shot has increased from 500 to 2,133.

The Government agency said the birds can only be shot if the population is healthy and there was no risk of them dying out.

So far this year 1,636 cormorants have been shot by holders of government culling licences.

Dr. Dan Forman, who led the Welsh study, said cormorants can destroy a fishery.

He said eight birds can kill 100 fish in one session. These birds will return to sites three or four times each day and gorge themselves till stocks are exhausted.

However, he said the birds will not be wiped out completely.

“This survey highlights evidence of fishery and predator conflict in Wales, especially as predator populations have increased. However, it is important to maintain a balance between protecting the economic interests of these businesses and maintaining recovering populations such as the otter. The majority of fisheries in this study perceived predators as a threat to their income”.

He added “What we’re trying to do is find some way that both predators and businesses can co-exist. It’s all very well to blame the predators but we can go to Tesco – they can’t.”

The RSPB said fisheries can find ways to deter the birds by putting in place nets or scaring them off, rather than killing cormorants.

Cheers

Rod

This is the poster in the current issue of The Journal of the Grayling Society.

The canoe debate continues!

2011-02-06T10:17:00.000-08:00

Canoe Charity Paddle update!

2011-02-02T07:21:00.000-08:00

Rodney Byles has reported further on this issue.

Begin forwarded message:

> From: "Garth Roberts"
> Date: 2 February 2011 14:28:00 GMT
> To: "CFF"
> Cc: "Paul Varallo"
> Subject: No Charity Paddle
> Reply-To: "Garth Roberts"
>
> RNLI distanced itself from proposed charity fundraising paddles down the Towy scheduled for last Friday and Saturday. Members of Gwendraeth Paddlers cancelled the events following timely advice from EAW about the dangers of potential environmental damage caused by disturbing spawning fish. Such damage could lead to prosecution. They went instead from Carmarthen down the estuary to Llansteffan and back...........................
>
> It is important to report any canoe and especially raft activity seen on the river.

Hatchery News

2011-02-01T01:15:00.001-08:00

AGM January 2011 - Minutes

2011-02-01T00:50:00.000-08:00

Minutes of the AGM held at the Community Centre (Green Room) on Friday 28th Jan 20011 at 7P.M

In The Chair R.Howell

In Attendance 19 Members

Apologies Dylan Roberts, Stuart Rees and Rodney Byles

Matters Arising

1 Signs had been erected on all end of waters and Tir Isaf and the 2 cheques for the CFF and Pengoilan had been presented.

Chairman’s Report

The Chairman reported an indifferent season with the total of fish caught below and the number of returns was only around 40% of the total amount of people who fished
Salmon 5 Sea Trout/Sewin 146
He thanked the guest members who had come from afar to attend this evenings meeting and also thanked Eric and Eifion for their excellent work throughout the season and his fellow committee and special praise was mentioned for Emyr Lewis who had done considerable work on the river bank.

Treasurers Report

The accounts had been circulated and it was asked if there were any questions, it was noted that guest members were up and locals down but that the club had made a slight profit this year.
A question from the floor was taken with regards to the amount guest members that could and that he had been under the impression that Llangadog had a waiting list and a closed shop, this was denied and if he knew people he could forward names to the Secretary and they would be accommodated.

It was also asked why we were a Ltd company we were by guarantee only, we had done this for insurance purposes and that we now had to have the accounts audited, the accountants were happy this year again with the results.

Honoraria

The Chairman stated at this point that the Committee had discussed giving something to Emyr for his work on the river bank but nothing had been agreed so he asked the floor and it was agreed and seconded that he be given £50.
The Chairman asked the Secretary if he was happy and he stated that he was as long as everyone pulls together as a unit and as a club.
Eric was happy with his honoraria.

Fees

The Committee had decided in their last meeting to keep the fees across the board as per last year, a letter was read out by the Chairman from John Stacey who had now reached his 65 and was getting different concessions and whether the club could possible reduce the fees for a 65 year old or for being a member for 10/15 years.
This was debated at great length and the Secretary also stated whether we could do it for any guest member who had been with the club over 15yrs.

The floor stated that in different area you had to be with a club like the Usk for 2yrs and be 65 to have a 30% reduction; Merthyr was min 5yrs to have a concession.
It was eventually agreed that anybody who was over 65 would have a £10 concession, forwarded by Tom Richards and seconded by Gary Davies and agreed by most of the floor but some people abstained from voting.

Appointment of Officers

The chairman vacated the seat and the President took over but before he could speak it was unanimously agreed that everybody on block be kept on and everyone agreed to this.

Appointment of Committee

It was unanimously agreed that the whole Committee should be re-elected, Chairman read a letter from Mr Sturge from Worcester who had asked if there was still a vacancy, the AGM agreed that he should come aboard and a letter be sent to him.

Any Other Business

1 The issue of today’s proposed raft paddle from Brianne down to Llanstephan with another 40 paddlers joining them in Nantgaredig on Saturday; it was discussed at great length and the Secretary read out different E-Mails from the Sec of CFF who had E-Mailed the Environment Agency and they had returned an E-Mail which finished with “Please note we do not have the powers to prohibit
this activity”

It was stated that we would have to be seen to be offering some type of agreement with the canoes for access to the river before it becomes law, different scenarios were thrown about and stories were related but it seems we will have to be showing some sort of agreement for them to use the river at specific times of the year but at our terms.

2 It was stated by the Secretary that the club was donating at the present time £300 direct to the Hatchery and also donating fish at different periods of the year.
It was decided that we donate £500 and that everyone was in agreement that we try and help as much as we could this would be enhanced this year by installing another 2 tubes one at the end of Devannah and the other at the road bridge.
The amount of fish that the hatchery stocked in the river had been discussed and that the people that had donated throughout the year had been invited to fish out of season to help with broodstock and that a sewin of 12.5lbs had been caught on Llangadog waters.
It was also stated at this point that the club had been urged to join Fish Legal a company that looks into fishing issues including pollution and other matters and that it was investigating whether they could look at taking on Welsh Water/Environment Agency in the fight for multi take off on the dam and also the stocking policy that had had not been met when the dam was built. Figures of fish were talked about but nothing was set in stone and it was an on going discussion.

3 The Secretary sated that there was a man who was independent from any TV station who was also a naturalist and lover of wildlife on the river bank who was proposing to do a film about the Tywi from Brianne down to the sea, highlighting everything good and controversial on the river, Secretary stated that the web site for our club was on the net and directed him to Andrews blog and photos.
Everybody was in agreement that we should look for as much support as possible to ensure that the river survives.

With no further business the meeting was declared closed at 8.40 pm

Catch Returns 2010 Season

Salmon

5 Above Crewel Pool
0 Below Crewel Pool
0 Road Bridge

Sewin

64 Above Crewel Pool
37 Below Crewel Pool
45 Road Bridge

(These figures will be updated when further returns are counted)

Best Sewin Open R.Howell

Best Sewin Local R.Howell

Raffle Prize Winners

1st Permit or Equivalent in money Tegwen Jones
2nd Bottle A.Williams
3rd £10 (West Wales Tackle) J.Banner
4th Bottle Emyr Lewis
5th Bottle Mrs Davies
6th Bottle Ivy
7th Bottle A.Williams
And various other prizes were presented on the night

AGM get together - a selection of shots!

2011-01-31T03:28:00.000-08:00

AGM Minutes!

2011-01-29T15:12:00.000-08:00

The AGM was in my view an extremely successful meeting with many points and issues covered! In addition, the buffet and presentation was also very enjoyable at the Goose and Cuckoo PH. Thank you Goose and Cuckoo for a lovely buffet - it was worth every penny!

Eifion assures me that the minutes for the AGM will be arriving shortly so watch this space!

By the way the river looks good except for the rubbish that strewn every where! For those of you who are interested in the wildlife and maybe worried about the effect that the severe winter may have had on our wildlife friends I don't think the effects have been too great. During a 3 hour walk along our beat this is what I saw!

Dipper
Kingfisher
Otters (2 No)
Green Sandpiper
Red Kites
Buzzards
Gooseander
Pied Wagtail
and of course the Black Cat?

Local Access Agreements

2011-01-29T09:55:00.000-08:00

Eifion Jones has passed this to me for the notice of members.

All

As you are aware the Welsh Assembly Government has been keen to secure more opportunities for the public and visitors to Wales to enjoy Wales’ extensive water resources on a responsible, safe and sustainable basis. The preferred approach is to create new opportunities through encouraging local access agreements.

Local agreements for local circumstances are important. There are now ample access negotiation frameworks and model agreements in the public domain, and there is an opportunity to support the negotiation of local agreements in Wales by promoting their use; to help build consensus, shared understanding, and common language and tools.

Two workshops are being organised (north and south), to be targetted at those local people who are most likely to be involved in negotiating local arrangements and agreements. As invitees to the Water Recreation Ministerial Advisory Group (previously the 'Round Table') or members of the agreements sub-group, you will probably be contacted to either provide contact details for suitable invitees, and/or to help cascade the invitation to your relevant contacts. The workshops are being arranged by Resources For Change, Welshpool.

Thank you in advance for your help.

John Arwel Watkins
Head of Access and National Parks Policy Branch / Pennaeth Cangen Polisi Mynediad a Parciau Cenedlaethol
Welsh Assembly Government / Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru
Rhodfa Padarn
Llanbadarn Fawr
Aberystwyth
Ceredigion
SY23 3UR
Tel 0300 0622248 / 07976 952198

Sea-trout fishing on Facebook?

2011-01-26T13:12:00.001-08:00

Why not join our Facebook page and tell us what you are doing, your ideas and thoughts? Get discussing!

Night fly fishing for sea-trout or sewin (Wales) log on now!!!!

Canoe Charity Paddle!

2011-01-26T07:09:00.000-08:00

Rodney Byles has kindly sent this to me as he thought many LAL members might be interested to know of it and the long term implications?

From: "Garth Roberts"
> Date: 26 January 2011 14:37:24 GMT
> To: "Paul Varallo"
> Cc: "Dave Mee" , "Chris Mills" , "CFF"
> Subject: Proposed Charity Canoe Paddle on Towy.
> Reply-To: "Garth Roberts"
>
> Paul
> Proposed Canoe 'Charity' Paddle THIS FRIDAY 28th Jan, down entire Towy followed on Saturday 29th with a Mass Trespass by 40 canoes from Nantgaredig.
>
> Would you please confirm that EAW will take immediate steps to prohibit this event which has important ecological and political implications.
>
> It is clearly no more than a deliberate attempt at trouble making and is not the first time that Ian McCue has pulled this type of stunt.
> Exactly a year ago, he planned unsuccessfully to take his Gwendraeth Paddlers Canoe-club paddling downstream from Llandeilo, ostensibly in aid of a Heart Charity. He now knows quite well that salmon and sea trout can be, or have been spawning anywhere along the river's length virtually as far as the tidal reaches.
>
> Garth
>
> Garth Roberts
> Castle Hywel Towy Fishery
> Ty Cambria, Drefach SA14 7BB
>
> Copied From Carmarthen Journal 26th January 2011
> Paddlers all set for Towy test.
>
> TWO canoeing enthusiasts are tackling the entire length of the River Towy in aid. of the RNLI's national fundraising day. (Note that This proposed scheme is not yet listed on RNLI's Website Map of Formal Events.)
>
> RNLI SOS is held every year to raise money for the charity.
> Ian McCue and John Morris members-of the-Gwendraeth Valley Paddlers, will start at dawn on Friday, at the source of the river at Lllyn Brianne reservoir near Rhandirmwyn. Ian said they hope to raise between £300 and £400 with the journey from the reservoir to the mouth of the river. at Llansteffan. He added: "For experienced canoeists it's a good trip down the Towy but depending on whether it rains between now and Friday it could take between 14 and 18 hours."
> The pair will be joined by John's son, Thomas, who will take part in the final stages of the canoeing.
>
> Their day will be followed by another fundraising trip down the Towy to its mouth on Saturday. This will feature more than 40 members of the Gwendraeth Valley Paddlers, who will be starting at Nantgaredig."
>
> •Anyone wishing to sponsor the events can call Ian on 07977 588342 07977 588342 .
> Photo: ON THE WATER: Ian McCue and John Morris are going to be raising money for the RNLI by paddling the River Towy from source to sea . Also pictured is John's son Thomas, who is going to be helping out on the day and paddling the first part on the river

Join Hugh's fish fight!

2011-01-14T13:50:00.000-08:00

www.fishfight.net

Annual General Meeting 2011

2011-01-11T11:21:00.001-08:00

The AGM will be held on Friday 28th January 2011 at the Community Centre (Green Room) in Llangadog at 7.00pm. An evening buffet and prize giving will take place afterwards at the Goose and Cuckoo PH at a price of £10.00 per head.

May I urge ALL MEMBERS to attend as there are many important issues that need raising and without your input and support we are unlikely to be able to improve the fishing for future seasons!

DON'T JUST MOAN TO EACH OTHER ON THE RIVER BANK - TURN UP AND HAVE YOUR SAY!

Agenda

1 To receive apologies

2 To read minutes of last meeting

3 To consider matters arising

4 To receive Chairman's Report

5 To receive Treasurer's Report

6 To consider Honoraria

7 To consider fee's for the 2011 Season

8 To appoint officers (President, Vice President, Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer)

9 To appoint Committee Members

1 Any other business

Should you wish to attend, and I hope you will, then please contact the Club Secretary Eifion Jones (Tel: 01550 777296) by Sunday 23rd January 2011 and let him know the numbers so that adequate catering arrangements can be made. We will try to make sure that there is plenty of booze in the pub for you all!

Finally, please submit your End of Season Catch Return if you havn't already done so so that a true record of fish caught can be recorded!

I will look forward to meeting you all on the night!

Tight lines

kingfisher

Welsh Salmon and Trout Association News!

2011-01-03T14:02:00.000-08:00

WSTAA – Newsletter January 2011

First may we wish you, yours and your angling club a very prosperous New Year!

Reminder

The rescheduled AGM will be held next Sunday 9th January 2011 at 10.30a.m at the Lamb and Flag in Rhayader with the Executive Committee meeting following at 1.30pm.

Minutes and Agendas for both meetings were sent out to you in November so please make sure that you bring them with you. We trust that WSTAA’s Regional Committees have nominated their representatives for 2011 who will be able to attend and vote at the afternoon executive committee meeting.

Cormorants

It seems that a number of our member clubs have seen a dramatic increase in the number of cormorants on their fisheries of late. Unfortunately only a few of our clubs have applied for permission to cull a few of them – and those that have, have only been given permission to cull two or three birds per year. However it is vitally important that every club that believes cormorants are damaging their fish stocks - especially if they are also stocking the fishery when a preponderance of cormorants would represent a financial loss to the club – applies for permission to cull. WSTAA will obviously support any club’s request for culling. A few years ago when we made representation on this issue to WAG we were told that as the number of clubs that had applied for permission to cull was low that they were of the opinion that cormorants were not a problem on Welsh fisheries. So please if you have a problem, do make an application to cull – even if your request is not granted at least it will show that Wales has a problem. (NB Do not mention gooseanders – it seems they have a soft spot in some people’s hearts - and mentioning them could weaken your case!)

Forestry Commission Wales – termination of lease

Last month we informed you that Forestry Commission Wales had declined to extend a lease to an angling club on a river in North Wales. From the responses to our questionnaire, it seems the issue was not as widespread as we had feared – but it pays clubs to be vigilant.

Canoeing – and the Access issue

This issue has taken up a lot of officers’ time during the past two years – and even after the publication of the Sustainability Committee Report and the Ministers Response - both of which recommend locally negotiated access agreements to all club waters - Canoe Wales is still disputing their findings. Two letters have gone from WSTAA to Canoe Wales in an attempt to move forward on the issue, but as you know both replies have been very negative. To date no support has been forthcoming from the Minister’s Department either which is very disheartening from our point of view. As we have always known, the law on the issue is clear and is on our side – yet our representatives at WAG seem unable to help us uphold the law - or maybe - as has been said before - someone in WAG has her own agenda on the issue. This will be discussed at the AGM when we will need to decide whether a different strategy is called for. We are approaching a very important time for our AMs with two votes on their agenda very soon. It is high time our AMs realized that anglers have a vote!

Christmas is nearly here!

2010-12-22T11:38:00.000-08:00

With Christmas just a few days away I would like to wish all members a Very Merry Christmas and of course a Very Happy New Year! Let's hope that next season brings more success than this one did and that LAL continues to receive your support yet again. If any of you have any fishing stories that you would like to share then please let me know by emailing me at kingfisherajh@yahoo.co.uk or visit my website at kingfisherimages and leave me your contact details and a brief outline of your tale! Once again have a great Christmas!

Tight lines

kingfisher

Fish are few and far between!

2010-08-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

I think it is reasonable to say that this season has been the worst for quite a few years! I have only managed 2 fish despite fishing on average 2 nights per week since the end of May. I believe that one or two anglers have had a few fish but catches appear to be well down on recent seasons. If you know different then please let me know. Lets hope for a bumper end to the season with the odd salmon around too!

Tight lines

kingfisher

Latest news!

2010-07-01T13:24:00.000-07:00

Despite low water levels kingfisher landed a good 4 lb sewin in the early hours of Thursday 1st July proving once again that July is the best month for sewin on the Towy!

A Canoe Club for the Towy?

2010-06-21T14:40:00.000-07:00

Fellow angler Rodney Byles has kindly passed this on to me and for our members to consider.

The CarmarthenshireRivers Trust
Ymddiriedolaeth Afonydd SirGaerfyrddin
Conserving Carmarthenshire Rivers
The Carmarthenshire Rivers Trust is a Company Limited by Guarantee.
Registered Office: Ty Cambria, Drefach Llanelli SA14 7BB
Company No. 6316566 Registered in England and Wales.
ENTRUST Registered Charity No. 1127390
www.carmarthenshire.org www.carmsriverstrust.org 1

A Canoe Club for the Towy ?
Garth Roberts
June 2010
Second Draft
The WAG Sustainability Committee Report on the Inquiry into Access to Inland Water, finds that
there is no public right of access to inland waterways and recommends that unless riparian
owners consider permissive access, WAG should seek to create the necessary powers. This
brief paper examines the viability of a possible scheme to allow canoeing on the non-tidal river
Towy without commitment to public access.
1. Ecological Constraints.
The Towy tidal limit lies at a point near Capel Dewi and on the Gwili some 100m upstream from
its confluence. The Afon Tywi SAC extends along the main river from within the tidal zone
downstream from Carmarthen up to Llandovery and includes an SSSI on the flood plain near
Pentre Davis. Any new operations within the SAC meeting the criteria of a specified list must be
assessed for approval or otherwise (CCW 1998). Any such impacts adjacent to the SAC, and/or
from inflowing tributaries must be considered as impacting upon it (EC 2000,2005). The
Carmarthenshire Fishermens Federation were informed by CCW in 1998 that all present
‘activities’ were ‘acceptable’.
2. Fisheries Constraints
Towy salmon stocks are declined and tenuous in upper reaches but described by EAW as ‘not
under risk’. Sea trout stocks are described as ‘declining’. It is widely accepted that fisheries
generally are in need of further conservation. Sea trout spawn late in October/November
followed by salmon whose spawning season is stretching into late January/February. Ova can
take some 90 days to develop (according to ambient temperature). All tributaries are potential
spawning/ nursery areas.
2.1. Minimal disturbance of the fish during, and of the nursery beds after, spawning is critical.
Roberts illustrates the possible effects in his (too late) second submission to the Sustainability
Committee (Roberts (2010).
2.2. The main river, as well as a shelter for the spawning shads, lamprey and bullhead in late
Spring, is also a natal ground for salmonids. Redd counts made by Authority bailiffs 1977 to
1993, downstream from the Llangadog Bran confluence to Llandeilo bridge, recorded an annual
average of 109 salmon and 44 sea trout redds. Upstream from Llangadog 1977 – 79, 137
salmon and 325 sea trout. ”And lots of salmon spawned in the main river during winters of 1998
and 99” (Todd 2002). Catchment reports indicate that salmon spawn throughout the river
downstream to Whitemill (where they were observed in 2010). Salmon and sea trout are
present in the upper catchment but their employment of the main river for spawning is not
thought to be extensive in the white water zones.
3. Planning Constraints
In addition to ecological and fisheries requirements, planning and flood–defence consent is
likely to be required for any organised activity involving land use.
The CarmarthenshireRivers Trust
Conserving Carmarthenshire Rivers 2
4. Scheme Requirements
The land/fishery owner’s perpetual concern about private property is security - the ability to
control everybody allowed access – and is the overriding aspect about ‘opening the door’ to
canoeists. Which ever scheme is chosen, it must be no less stringent than those authorised for
use by others on private property, such as that afforded to the angling community.
5. Canoe Club Structure
The membership structures of angling groups can be easily replicated for canoeing sub-groups
within existing administrations.. A recent prosecution involving a canoeist on a privately owned
stretch of the Dee, indicates that S.11, The Fraud Act 2006, could be employed to enforce
compliance with the use of the ‘club services’.
5.1. Lockyer (2010) made the following observations to the Sustainability Committee,
regarding the river Tawe. They appear eminently suitable as a basis for considering a scheme,
or schemes, for the Towy
We have looked at the detail of the voluntary access agreement put in place by the
Wye and Usk Foundation on the Rivers Wye & Usk and have concluded that many of
the provisos contained within the agreement are not suitable for those sections of the
much smaller River Tawe that we control.
As a consequence we have considered different options, more in keeping with the
size of the river and with potential to fit in with existing angling arrangements. We
have concluded that the best way of accommodating canoeists without jeopardising
the interests of our fishing members would be to set up a canoe section within our
existing club structure. Canoeists would be able to become members by paying a
subscription in the same way as our fishing members. We would:
 develop rules and disciplinary procedures akin to those in place for fishing members,
specifying when and where canoeing was allowed, procedures to be observed, etc,
just as we do for our fishing members;
 consult with the riparian owners on sections where our rights are leased and, where
required, pay any additional charges to reflect the additional use (this will not be
necessary where the Society is the riparian owner);
 develop suitable access and egress points, which may need to be negotiated with
riparian owners;
 erect clear signage to indicate upstream and downstream limits, making it clear that
fishing and canoeing is exclusive to members of PASAS Ltd;
 risk-assess canoeing activities in the same way as we do our fishing activities;
 arrange suitable third party / public liability insurance to take into account canoe
section activities (canoeists using club facilities would do so at their own risk);
 recruit canoeing members who can develop policy and rules for operating such a
canoe section; it is currently envisaged that the following arrangements would apply:
o canoeing on water controlled by the Society would only be allowed during
the closed season for fishing (between 18th October and 2nd March);
o obviously we would only be able to allow fishing on the (non-contiguous)
stretches of river under our control – we wouldn’t be able to authorise canoeing on
other stretches above, below and in between our stretches, where we have no rights;
o spates in the River Tawe rise and fall rapidly and some of the best fishing is
at such times, so there would be little scope for canoeing arrangements during the
fishing season;
o access and egress only via designated and clearly signposted points (except
for landing in emergency);
The CarmarthenshireRivers Trust
Conserving Carmarthenshire Rivers 3
o no canoeing in recognised spawning areas or designated spawning
tributaries between mid November and mid February
o canoeing only to be allowed in a downstream direction and at times when
water is above a certain level (to be determined), to avoid disturbance in low water of
fish migrating to spawning areas;
o canoes would have to carry visible identification, which we would arrange
o in addition to an annual membership, day ticket arrangements (similar to
those for angling) could be made available for the visiting canoeist;
o clearly, when a canoe section is operational these will be developed further.
The provision of additional facilities could be considered further, when the expertise
becomes available within the Society. Depending on levels of investment needed, the
availability of funding would need to be researched.
Alongside the above it would be desirable if the Environment Agency had a licensing
scheme allowing them to control matters of concern to them (protection of banks,
spawning, scaring of fish, disease control, etc) in the same way as the rod licensing
scheme assists the Agency in the exercise of its fisheries management function.
6. Application to the Towy
The upper Towy falls steeply through some ‘white-water’ down to Dolauhirion near Llandovery
before meandering gently across the flood plain down to Carmarthen. Two main classes of
canoeists are effectively attracted - adventurous ‘white-water’ paddlers and leisure tourers. As
in angling, the same basic rules can apply, with variations as necessary.
6.1. Making accommodation for a canoe-club structure might be possible within the various
statutory constraints but the goodwill of fisheries and land owners is essential before any
dimension of canoeing activity can be even considered. In the absence of any social advantage,
only the possible pecuniary aspects may appear advantageous – other than the threat of public
access of course!.
6.2. Difficulties will arise when a sub-section or individual part of the river is opened under a
discrete scheme. Canoeists will inevitably be attracted to trespass elsewhere regardless - as
has proved to be the case on the Teifi. Such scenarios can devalue fisheries through
perception.
7. Funding
The “Splash” and “Glastir” funding schemes may be applicable, but possibly only in part
because both involve degrees of public access, with “Glasdir” particularly associated with
creating public facilities. Any such fund providers must recognise and acknowledge the
demands of normal club membership procedures - unlike the ’anonymous’ public access
adopted on the Wye and Usk where frustration and disturbance are frequently reported by
anglers.
8. It is recommended that early consideration is given to inviting a group from riparian
interests to examine the need, viability, constraints and logistics of a canoe club for the
catchment. The advice of the statutory authorities will be required with input as appropriate.
9. Our thanks to Phil Jones and Ray Lockyer for expert advice.
The CarmarthenshireRivers Trust
Conserving Carmarthenshire Rivers 4
References
CCW 1998 “Afon Tywi SAC – Operations likely to damage the special interest.”
CCW Feb 1998.
EC 2000 “Managing Natura 2000 Sites” – The provisions of the Habitats’ Directive
92/42/CEE. EC 2000. ISBN 92-828-9048-1
EC 2005 “Contribution to the protection of the strict protection of species.”
Habitats Directive Article 12.1.d. April 2005.
Lockyer R. 2010 “Additional evidence of a new scheme to give canoeists access
to rivers. “ Report to WAG Sustainability Committee. PASAS.
Roberts G 2010 “Addendum - Further Evidence as Requested” Report to WAG
Sustainability Committee. With appendices. CRT 2010.
Todd M 2002 “Migratory salmonid redd count -- river Towy from Llangadog
Bran confluence downstream to Llandeilo Road bridge”
1977 – 94 etc EAW 4/11/02.
COUNTRYSIDE COUNCIL FOR WALES
SITE NAME: AFON TYWI
NOTIFICATION DATE: February 1998
(Extracts of) OPERATIONS LIKELY TO DAMAGE THE SPECIAL INTEREST
10. Killing, injuring, taking or removal of any wild animal*, or the eggs/nests of any wild
animal or the disturbing, taking, damaging or destroying of any wild animal in its place of shelter
excluding pest control.
13b. Modification to the structure of water courses including rivers, streams, springs, ditches,
dykes, drains, oxbows, backwater channels and mill leats/races including their banks and beds,
as by re-alignment, regrading, damming, dredging, shoal removal, excavation dredging and the
installation and repair of weirs sluices, fish ladders and croys, and the installation of new fishing
platforms, fords and stock watering points.
21. Destruction, construction, removal, rerouting or regrading of roads, tracks, walls, fences,
hard-stands, banks, ditches or other earthworks, including soil and rock exposures.
22. Storage of materials.
23. Erection of permanent or temporary structures, or the undertaking of engineering works,
including drilling or the laying, maintenance or removal of pipelines and cables, above or below
ground.
26. Use of vehicles or craft.
27. Recreational activities.

Latest news from Eifion!

2010-06-12T13:09:00.001-07:00

An update on the river Emyr Lewis, our Club Bailif, has had some luck with three fish on the fly 4 1/2 lb, 5 lb and 6 lb on the fly and Tony Gregory landed a 11lb sewin but returned it.

Any news from the river?

2010-05-11T14:14:00.000-07:00

I have heard very little from the river so far this season so if anyone has any news I would greatly appreciate it if they would let me know via this blog. By signing up to Google all you are doing is creating a password for security purposes to allow you to contribute. There is absolutely nothing to worry about!

AGM 2010

2010-02-09T14:32:00.001-08:00

These are the prizes for the 2009 season:-

Junior fish Stuart Rees 10 lb - 4 oz

Local and open Salmon Jeff Woodall 10 lb

Local Sewin Wheatley 12 lb

Fly Local Tony Gregory 12 lb

Best Sewin Open Tony Gregory 12 lb

Best Fish Donated to the hatchery Tony Gregory (a new category for this year)

Fees:-

£5 increase on the local fees all others kept the same

Weekly permits £70 for a full week

Donation pipes will be kept in the river on the bottom, middle and bridge stretches for the hatchery.

Annual General Meeting for the 2010 Season

2010-01-13T06:12:00.000-08:00

Llangadog Angling Annual General Meeting

Will be held on Friday 29th January 2010 at 7.00p.m in the Community Centre, Llangadog followed by a buffet and prize giving at the Goose & Cuckoo Public House. If you wish to attend please phone the Secretary on 01550 777296 by Friday 24th January 2010.

Tight lines!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-21T13:55:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all members and tight lines for the 2010 season!

Don't forget to visit this blog regularly in the new season so that you can keep up to date with any news. If you have any ideas that might make this blog more interesting and informative then please let me know at kingfisherajh@yahoo.co.uk

Tight lines

Kingfisher

12 lb sewin donated to the hatchery!

2009-10-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Tony Gregory caught a 12 lb hen sewin and managed to get it to the donation tube ready for Viv from the hatchery to collect. Congratulations Tony on a great achievement!

Rodney Byles goes in search of sea bass and gives the sewin a miss!

2009-09-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

It’s been difficult for me recently trying to coordinate a trip to the Towy at Llangadog when the river's been okay for the night fly, so decided instead to try my hand at sea bass fishing, something I’ve wanted to do for quite along time, and the sea is nearer to my home. As I’ve never been bassing before I thought it best I book my very first trip with ghillie Justin Anwyl, who runs a sea bass guiding service from Chichester Harbour and the surrounding area. See his website http://www.bass-fishing.co.uk/.

On this occasion we were drifting over kelp beds from a small boat, another first for me. Thanks to Justin’s guidance, advice and tackle, I managed to catch my first ever sea bass and on a fly. Estimated weight was 5lb and put up a very strong fight and maybe more so than a similar weight sewin, but without the acrobatics!! I was very pleased with myself (see photo) and as this is a bass conservation area unfortunately it went back instead of on my plate! I was rewarded again later with another hard fighting fish of about 2.5lb. My fellow angler Duncan also had two fish of very similar size. And to cap it all I also caught my first ever mackerel, also on a fly. This was a memorable and very enjoyable day, which wouldn’t have been possible without Justin’s guidance. I will definitely go again and maybe try it from the beach next time, when all the kids are back at school!!

Rod

Kingfisher gets a 9 1/2 lb sewin on the fly in broad daylight!

2009-08-29T08:25:00.001-07:00

Fished the bottom of our beat today. Started fishing at about 7.00am with a sink tip line and size 8 double. 8.00am and I was in to a 9 1/2 lb sewin which fought like hell. Unfortuneately the hook was down well in the tongue and the fish was bleeding! I tried to save it by nursing it in the donation tube but failed! After half an hour I decided to kill it. Sad but one of those things!

Report for 18th August 2009

2009-08-25T00:47:00.000-07:00

I have just had a catch reported to me for last Tuesday the 18th August 2009. John Graham told me that he had 4 fish that night on the fly and that the largest was 11 lb. His total catch this season on the fly he thinks is up around the 25 - 30 mark! Well done John! John has also promised to assist us with hatchery donations so I am looking forward to that elusive phone call from him telling me that he has donated a 'double figure' sewin for the hatchery! Come on John - we know you can do it!!

Tight lines everyone!

Donate your sewin to the hatchery!

2009-08-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

If you are keen to help protect the sewin on the River Tywi and would like to take part in a donation programme then you can. LAL are party to a special conservation programme and we need your sewin. Sewin of 4lb plus are required and preferably fly caught! If you are keen to participate then please register with me (kingfisher) and I will tell you how it works. There is a prize for the largest sewin donated this season. It doesn't matter how dark or red the fish is as long as it is a healthy specimen that is not too damaged by it's trauma of being caught!

Can you come up with the goods? Are you skillfull enough to get that double figure sewin for the hatchery?

If you would like to take part and help the future of sewin on the Tywi then please register now!

You can email me at kingfisherajh@yahoo.co.uk or look out for me on the river.

Tight lines!

Late report!

2009-08-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Robin Wheatley has just informed me that he caught a 12 1/2 lb sewin at the Road Bridge back in the high water in July! He caught it on a rapala. Well done Robin!

Has anyone lost a 'big black cat'?

2009-08-10T00:54:00.001-07:00

kingfisher reports on his sighting!

'Whilst fishing on Thursday night last week I saw a black cat like animal which I can only assume is cat reported to have seen on several occasions in the Llangadog area over the past few years. I was fishing alone in the pool that I call 'my favourite pool', which disappointingly has not produced me a fish yet this season, when I was startled by a commotion behind me. I turned around to see a black cat like creature about the size of a large fox! It had appeared on the river bank having fought its way through some dense Japanese balsam, the noise of which is what had attracted my attention to it in the first place! As soon as it saw me it turned and bounded off along the short path and disappeared. It was definitely a cat by the way it ran! Exciting! Has anyone else seen this cat?'

Night fly fishing is back on!

2009-08-10T00:39:00.000-07:00

Kingfisher reports

'I went fishing for a few days last week and not only was I pleased to see the water clear but also had some good sport with the sewin! Thursday night was the best night. It was warm with a full moon which kept coming and going behind the clouds. I ended up with a 1 1/2 lb and a 3 1/2 lb sewin all on the fly at night but I lost quite a few much bigger fish. Frustratingly they would not hold on for some reason but it was a brilliant nights sport. One other angler that I know of had an 8lb fish which, like me, he returned so that it could fight another day!

Friday night was really tough with temperatures plunging to 6 deg! I am not aware of any fish being landed but I am aware of a huge fish being lost by an angler just above me. The splashing that I heard sounded like a double figure sewin to me!

With a slightly more settled outlook I hope that we can get some good nights in before temperatures completely fade away!'

Tight lines

Latest catch report!

2009-07-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

I have just received a report from Tim Wilkinson who says that a fellow angler caught an 11 lb sewin on LAA water on Saturday 25th July whilst spinning in high water. The name of the angler is unknown!

Are you the person who is discarding 'energy' drink cans on our river bank?

2009-07-16T12:17:00.000-07:00

I was disturbed to see a number of discarded 'energy' drink cans thrown down by the log at the bottom of our beat! Whoever is responsible for this can they please pick them up next time they go fishing and refrain from disposing of any others in this way. The vast majority of LAL Members respect the river and it's environment and it is sad to think that a minority do not!

If you see anyone dropping litter or drink containers on the river bank please let us know so that we can NAME AND SHAME!

email me at kingfisherajh@yahoo.co.uk

10 Lb + sewin caught by junior member!

2009-07-15T01:53:00.000-07:00

Stuart Rees, our Junior Committee Member, caught a 10 lb + sewin just above Crewel Pool yesterday! Well done Stuart, it looks a cracking fish!

Canoe Wales demand access to all Welsh waters!

2009-07-15T01:36:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

My apologies for posting this as my first post, but I believe it's something we should all be aware of, and if I can get even a little help from you, I would be extremely grateful.

No doubt, by now, most of you are aware of Canoe Wales’ demands on the Welsh Assembly Government for unlimited access to all inland waterways and systems. For this level of access they are prepared to pay...a sweet 'absolutely nothing’.If, like myself and thousands of other anglers, you feel that this is not fair (as anglers, some of us pay a lot for the privilege to access our waterways in order to fish), and feel that canoeists,kayakers,etc should enter into access agreements with riparian owners and be prepared to pay for their enjoyment of the use of such assets, then I would like to ask that you please download a copy of a current petition being headed by the Campaign for the Protection of Welsh Fisheries (and supported by other governing bodies such as the Federation of Welsh Anglers, and the Welsh Salmon and Trout Angling Association) by clicking here.

http://cpwf.co.uk/home/?page_id=320

If you are willing to collect a few signatures for this cause, please scan and email the petition back to myself at gareth[dot]lewis[at]flyfishinginsouthwales[dot]co[dot]uk; I would be so so appreciative.If you haven’t got access to a scanner, please feel free to PM/email me and I can distribute a postal address. So far, all permissions must be received by the end of August, but as soon as I know an exact date, I'll be back to you.If I can also make you all aware, that this isn’t a matter of ‘for/against’ canoeists using Wales’ waterways, nor is it an argument of ‘it works in Scotland, so why can’t it work here?’

What our petition hopes to make the Welsh Assembly Government aware of is the fact that both the angling community, as well as other users of our waterways and members of the public, do not feel it is fair to charge one group to utilise a resource, while others are allowed to roam far and wide on it, and for free. It is a matter that is, ultimately, likely to effect us ALL.

If any of you can help in gaining even a few names (EVEN ONE WILL HELP), I would be very very grateful.

Thank you.

Eifion Jones

Again, my apologies for posting this as my first post, but I have been a 'lurker' for some time, and so now I've made myself know, suppose I better start contributing Andrew!

Have a gander!

Breaking News!

2009-07-07T14:34:00.000-07:00

BREAKING NEWS….BREAKING NEWS….BREAKING NEWS…BREAKING NEWS

4 men apprehended for fishing illegally on the Tywi

Environment Agency Wales officers, assisted by Dyfed Powys Police, apprehended 4 Ammanford men last night for allegedly fishing illegally on the River Tywi near Llandeilo. The 4 men have now been reported for offences related to fishing on private waters with no permission and having no valid rod licence. The Agency will look to take appropriate enforcement action against the individuals. Lyn Richards, Environmental Crime Team Leader, Environment Agency Wales said:"The River Tywi is considered to be one of the finest sea trout fisheries in the whole of Europe. People pay a lot of money to come here and fish, as well as the local anglers who use the river. It is a vital part of the economy in West Wales and we are determined to protect it."Our officers use their local knowledge and intelligence from anglers to target known hot spots. If illegal anglers think they can get away with not following the rules and damaging the sport for others, we will catch them and take action."If anyone sees any suspicious activity they should call our hotline on 0800 80 70 60 with as much information as possible and we will investigate. With our new fisheries enforcement strategy in place, we are seeing the hard work of our officers paying off."We would also like to thank the officers from the Police for their assistance last night."

Broodstock request 2009 season

2009-07-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

CARMARTHENSHIRE FISHERMENS FEDERATION

TOWY RESTORATION SCHEME 2009

CATCH & HATCH

BROODSTOCK REQUESTS FOR 2009

IF WORM FISHING FOR HATCHERY BROODSTOCK, PLEASE CONSIDER USING “CIRCLE HOOKS”, NO “DEEP” HOOKED FISH SHALL BE TAKEN.

PLEASE HANDLE FISH AS CAREFULLY AS POSSIBLE, TO ENSURE BEST SURVIVAL.
“STUART PIPES” ARE BEING STRATEGICALY PLACED UP AND DOWN THE RIVER. IF YOU ARE NOT CLOSE TO ONE, PLEASE USE YOUR ORIGINAL TETHER (“STUART PIPES” DEMONSTRATED BELOW.)

SILVER GRILSE SALMON UNDER 6LB ARE NOT IDEAL FOR BROODSTOCK.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE TOWY RESTORATION SCHEME.

STUART PIPE METHOD

RIVER FLOW -------------- >
KEEP PIPE IN WATER
TILT BACK END OF PIPE UPWARDS
OPEN NET
PLACE FISH IN PIPE, HEAD FIRST
CLOSE NET WITH TOGGLE DRAW-STRING

PHONE HATCHERY 01550 740208

As darkness falls Rodders gets foxy with the sewin!

2009-06-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

Andy

I tried to post a comment on your blog but somehow couldn't manage it as the link wouldn't open. I must be doing something wrong! I was going to say:

Looks like you and Dylan had the same problem as I did at the Cattle Drink on Wednesday night. There were fish moving all night but I didn't have a touch either, despite trying everything I could think of. The most excitement I had was when I was lying down on top of the bank waiting for darkness when a fox almost trod on me...not sure who was more surprised as he bounded off to the hedge! Anyway I gave up at the Cattle Drink about 2.30 as wind getting up and went to the Road Bridge for an hour, but again no luck. Good to hear my fly still works!! Looks a cracking fish. I have only had that pattern on my leader once this season as been trying other concoctions, which seem to work as 2 fish so far from 5 nights out. I will give that pattern a go next time I'm on the river and hope it also works for me.

Rod

Kingfisher does it again!

2009-06-28T06:37:00.000-07:00

Fished Saturday night with Dylan and saw plenty of sewin but no offers until 2.45 am! Moved up river to the Car Park Pool and nailed a 7 lb fish on a Rodder's Special! Thanks Rod!

Tim Wilkinsons latest report!

2009-06-28T06:35:00.000-07:00

I fished down the bottom end on Friday night with Dave. Tried our usual pool but no takes at all. There were fish around but no interest.I moved down to the next pool down and it looked much better with the low water (the big back eddy had reduced considerably).

I managed a 4lb-er that gave a good account of itself. Other than that nothing until I left at about 4.30am.

I saw my first otter which ran along the bank behind me (I was in the water), got in the pool at the head, then swam back down the pool in front of me and dived in the tail. Didn't see if it caught though.

Not quite sure what's happening with our usual pool - the fish just don't seem to be coming to the fly. Maybe a bigger run of fish over the next couple of weeks will encourage more action?

Cheers

Tuesday 23rd June 2009 - Rodney Byles gets his prize!

2009-06-28T06:31:00.000-07:00

This is the 5lbs 2 ozs sewin I caught at 11.50pm on Tuesday on one of my concoctions, followed by a foul hooked lampray!

11 lb sewin caught on Friday 12th June 2009

2009-06-15T00:40:00.000-07:00

I have been informed by Eifion Jones that Mr A Gregory caught a 11lb Sewin by the parking in Devannah on Friday night. It just goes to show that there are fish about and big ones too! Well done Mr Gregory!

Tight lines all.

Pathway to Crewel Pool is now open!

2009-06-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

The pathway to Crewel Pool and associated fencing is now complete having been moved in places to provide safe passage for anglers. It seems that the Committee's complaints have been taken on board and we now have access to all 3 fields on the river side of the fence. Also I think we should all thank Eifion, Eric and Jeff for all the hard work that they have put in strimming and cutting down the undergrowth so that we can now get to our river without the risk of being impaled on the barbed wire fence.

Tim and Richard get their first fly caught sewin on LAL water!

2009-06-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

Hi kingfisher

Just a quick update for your blog on Llangadog from the two lads you were chatting with by your car about two weeks ago.

Went up to fish on weds the 10th, parked in the field down by pumping station got all dressed up walked across the field expecting a nice clear river for a late session on the fly we arrived at the river to find it was up about two foot and very coloured. No rain around Ammanford but they must have had a shed load upriver somewhere.

Went back following night early evening to fish higher up armed with worms and spinners looked at the river at the bridge top end to find she had dropped and cleared quite a lot so decided away with the worms and spinners get the fly rods out and back down the bottom end. Kitted up walked across the field to find it in a very flyable condition. At approx 6:30 we crossed the river walked up to the bottom of the Crewil Pool thought its too early to fish really but we'll give it a go, results below both caught before 9:30 on the fly. Both our first on the fly on Llangadog waters as we joined this year. Really enjoyable evenings fishing. By the way the bigger one was 5 3/4 lb and was NOT mine! Sob - sob! Sorry about the blood!!!!

Tight lines Tim and Richard

Hooked on sewin? Rodney Byles responds to Andrew Sharp's report!

2009-06-10T16:15:00.000-07:00

Andrew

I have just seen your blog posting and am extremely envious that you live so close to the Towy. Some guest members, such as myself, have a 400 mile round trip and some even further I believe to fish Llangadog water. Because of the distance I don’t get to fish anywhere near as much as I would like, but when I do I always thoroughly enjoy it. I have been lucky enough to have caught sewin on all methods; fly at night, dry fly, spinner and worm, but my passion is the fly at night.

Congratulations on catching your first sewin and hope it will be the first of many. And as Andrew Holmes said you will probably be even more elated when you catch your first one on the fly at night.

Your baptism and excitement at catching your first sewin reminds me of my first one many years ago. I bought a day ticket and was very kindly taken by member John Pyle, a dentist in Ammanford, and we fished the long run below Crewil. He set me up at the easiest stretch at the top of the run so I could learn to cast a fly in the dusk before getting dark and with a rod I had made myself. Half way down the run at 12.30am my 2 inch black, silver and red tube (I still have it) was grabbed on the dangle by a big sewin, which nearly pulled my rod out of my hand. It frightened the life out of me as it splashed on the surface and went up and down the pool leading me a right merry dance. I thought ‘what the hell is this’. My reel was screaming, I was shaking and my heart was pumping. It was playing me rather than the other way round. But John came to my aid and I eventually managed to get it close enough to be netted. I laid down on the bank for quite a while afterwards to calm down and let the adrenalin subside. I couldn’t stop looking at this amazing bar of silver, which weighed 9lb 6oz and had a tail like a spade. I was hooked for life. This was nearly 25 years ago and I remember it like it was yesterday. I have since been fortunate to catch more and bigger sewin, but that one is etched on my brain and the memory of its capture will stay with me until my dying day. What a fantastic sport this is!! Tight lines for the season everyone.

Rodney Byles

Andrew Sharp catches his first sewin - a 5 lb bar of silver!

2009-06-09T01:31:00.000-07:00

Andrew has kindly sent in his report for our blog and I am sure that you will all agree that Andrew should now be well and truly hooked on sewin fishing. I have also told him that the next step for him to take is to go and buy a fly rod and get his first fly caught sewin - he will be even more elated!

This is his report:-

My name is Andrew Sharp and I live in Manordeilo and this is my first ever season with Llangadog Angling limited and indeed my first ever attempt at game fishing having been exclusively a coarse and sea fisherman since I was a boy!

I caught my first ever sea trout on Monday and thought I`d share the experience with you and your blog! I only had a couple of hours spare on monday morning and as we had a bit of rain I decided to pop down to the river for a spot of worming as I only live in Dolau Towy opposite the road. As I didn't have much time I just fished the railway bridge pool but after an hour on the worm had had no luck. I was almost going to call it a day but decided to have a quick half hours spinning before I packed up - I never got the chance for half an hour! On only my second cast I had a fierce take and had hooked into my first ever sewin. He put up a great fight but I managed to keep my nerve and get him into the net. He weighed in at 5lbs exactly and was in great condition. Hope this is of interest to you.

Andrew

The sewin are here and that's a fact!

2009-06-06T14:52:00.000-07:00

Yes the sewin are running and getting caught!

Kingfisher had 2 fish of 3 1/2 lb and 6 lb and lost what was thought by all who witnessed it to be a double figure fish. Both fish landed were hooked at 2.00am in the morning! Tim Wilkinson also had 2 fish of 1 lb and 6 1/2 lb again from the same pool. Other anglers like Shane Stanley, a day ticket angler, had 2 fish 1 lb and 4 lb! Hopefully Shane will now join the club and become a regular fisher. All fish were caught on the fly in ideal conditions with the river running clear and low.

Kingfisher with a 3 1/2 lb sewin caught at 2.00am Friday morning

Shane with his brace of sewin

Looking down at the Car Park Pool which is looking great this season

All pictures courtesy of kingfisher

Rodney Byles opens his 2009 season account!

2009-05-30T13:17:00.000-07:00

Rod caught a cracking sewin on Thursday night on the bottom beat. It weighed exactly 4 lb and fought like a Trojan. Well done Rod - you deserve some luck after travelling the best part of 200 miles to get on the river.

picture courtesy of kingfisher

Please let me know what catches you have made. Email me at kingfisherajh@yahoo.co.uk

Tim Wilkinsons latest report!

2009-05-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

I had my first session on the LAL water last night.

The river was still a bit too high for my liking and had a tinge of colour left in it. I fished the bottom end but was unsuccessful in tempting any fish. I saw a couple turn over but that was as close as I got. Earlier, a member had a nice 6lb-er in the fast water. He fished this at dusk. In the end, there were 5 of us down the bottom (2 members and 3 on day tickets) so things were a little crowded at times. Up to 2.30am no one had had a pull during darkness.

I think it needs a bit more settled weather for things to kick off (and maybe a couple more weeks to allow more fish to get up).

Cheers Tim!

The river is low but looking good!

2009-05-11T14:12:00.000-07:00

Send me your reports to kingfisherajh@yahoo.co.uk

11 lb sewin proves that they are definetly about!

2009-04-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

They are about. See below a fish caught on the Towy yesterday!!!!

My first fish in April.
My first night-time fly fish in April.
My first Welsh Double figure fish!

Was fishing the Cross-Hands water today, as I have to go to work for six weeks on Thursday, and the weather was just right - I could not give it a miss but I was not very hopeful. It was like summer though, I was fishing in just a jumper and it was quite warm.

I got to the pool to find another bloke fishing it with the fly before it was dark, I made a couple of passes through the pool, having to get rid of the dropper half way down the first run as my casting was not "grooved". Then another bloke joined us on the pool, it was very calm and still and the water at summer low.

So after the other guys had been through twice, and I'd been down three times they left. The water seemed empty, nothing was moving no one got any tugs. An otter was buggering about too.

I had rigged two rods, so felt honour bound to run a wake fly through the pool and so I did - to no effect. I had tried 1 1/2 inch tubes, 1" waddies, a wake fly and thought I'd finish off with a slow fished 2" needle tube ( I love you Mr Gray ).

Simplicity itself, a 2" needle tube, with black fox and red polar bear and JC cheeks. With a partdidge "heavy nymph double" - a realy nice hook these.

About 5 casts before I was going to call it a day at 11pm ( when you are going away for a long time nights in bed with the old lady take on a high importance ) I had a long pull then a huge thrashing on the surface. censored I thought, I've hooked the bloody otter. Now bear in mind I have had 4 double figure fish in the last 6 weeks ( Patagonia - I'm not a God ), so I know what they are like - but this thing ran so fast, then held steady - I was convinced the otter had got out of the river and was running on the opposite bank! Then it was back in the river, I really bullied it very hard, wanting to get to the leader so I could cut it and free the furry beast, I lit up my head torch to help me, then I saw the flash of silver. It was a bloody fish!

I beached it then ran for my camera. The only big problem fishing on your own are the crap photos, but I took a few. So, So pleased. 11 lb. 70 cm long and 40 cm girth. No lice but very silver.

Not a great photo, just a flapping fish, the bank and my shaking hands.

Repairs are on target

2009-03-23T11:32:00.000-07:00

You will be pleased to know that the A Team are carrying out repairs at various points along the river bank to make life easier and safer for us during the season and to enable us to gain better access to areas of Crewil Pool.

Mabli takes a look at the excellent repairs to Crewil Pool

Well done A Team for opening up a significant stretch of the bank in Crewil and thank you Jeff for letting me have the pictures. I am sure that when Cerith sees these pictures he will recall many a mornings fishing in Crewil Pool, just as the sun is coming up, the bird chorus in full swing and the odd otter popping up here and there to see whats going on and of course a few sewin in the bag!

Any members who are available to help are needed this Sunday 29th March 2009. Please meet the A Team at 10.00am at the bottom of the lane at the Car Park Pool below the Railway Bridge (left bank -looking downstream).

Please ring Eifion Jones on 01550 777296 to confirm the arrangements and find out about any other volunteering opportunities.

Tight Lines

Will we get an early run of sewin?

2009-03-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

There are reports of sewin being seen in the estuary! So does this mean that we are going to get an early run of fish. Lets hope so!

Tight lines.

Latest News from Committee Meeting on 13th March 2009

2009-03-16T11:17:00.000-07:00

This is a brief summary of last Friday nights meeting:-

Bill Gracie has offered to take over the job of bailiff and it was suggested we get a weekend rota together for more than one person to go down to check the bottom beat
The Club is donating £300 towards the cost of running the hatchery
Our new member Emyr Lewis was co-opted as a trustee of the club
The turning area at the bottom of the lane needs to be scraped clean of mud and back filled with tarmac shavings
Sunday was nominated as a day for going down the river to do the steps and try and clear a path through Crewil but only 3 members turned up
A proposed multi take off on the dam at Rhandirmwyn looks like it might warm the river up to a degree or two
Possibility of spraying the vegetation down on the river bank was discussed
The debate against the canoes continues
With regard to day and weekly tickets and their availability it was decided to charge £20 per day for the first 2 days and (3-7) weekly would be total of £50. Permits may be available for purchase at the Post Office, Abermarlais Caravan Park and the Red Lion subject to final agreement by the parties concerned
There has been no written confirmation regarding funding for the path through Crewil Woods

If you have any comments to make or any suggestions then please post them here for all to see!

Tight lines all.

Membership renewals and New Applications!

2009-02-09T14:26:00.000-08:00

For the attention of all existing members and new applicants

The new season will soon be upon us and its now time to post off your renewal forms with the correct remittance and a stamped addressed envelope to:-

Mr Eric Jones (Treasurer), 6 Bryn Iago, Llangadog, Carmarthenshire SA19 6LL

All fees should be paid by no later than 1st March 2009. (Please include an additional £5 for the Llangadog Angling Limited 200 Club for a chance to win a prize in our monthly draw! 50% of the funds from the 200 Club is given out in prize money and the remaining 50% goes towards LAL Club funds).

Applications for new membership should also be made to the Treasurer as soon as possible.

AGM 2009

2009-01-20T12:41:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder to all Llangadog Angling Limited members and members to be!

The AGM will be held at 7pm on the 30th January 2009 in the Green Room of the Community Hall in Llangadog. Please try and attend and support our club as this is your opportunity to voice your opinions on the fishing, the club, stocking programme or indeed any other issue that you feel is important.

IF YOU'RE NOT AT IT THEN YOU CAN'T CHANGE IT!

January 2009 - River inspection!

2009-01-10T12:47:00.000-08:00

A Committee Meeting was held at Llangadog on Friday 9th January 2009. On Saturday morning Eifion and I took a stroll down the river to see what the winter had brought and this is what we found!

Annual General Meeting 2009

2009-01-05T04:05:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all members!

Just to let you know that the AGM will be held on Friday 30th January 2009 at 7pm in the Green Room at the Community Hall. Please try and attend if you can as there are many issues to discuss and your contribution is very important for the clubs future!

If you can't make it then please let me know if there are any issues that you want me to raise on your behalf.

Tight lines for 2009!

Kingfisher submits his fishing report for the 2008 season!

2008-11-10T11:58:00.000-08:00

The 2008 season was my worst season for many years!

This was mainly due to the water levels being up and down so frequently. Friday nights are my most available nights, as I work all over the UK and live 100 miles from the river but it seemed to me as though every Friday night the river was either unfishable, too high or not worth taking the risk on! I have travelled the 100 miles on many occasions in the past only to find the river not at its best. I did so at least one night this season. It can be very disappointing after such a long journey! I would say that my fishing effort this season has been about 2/3 of a normal one.

Despite my lack of success I have experienced some unusual events this season!

I caught a 7lb sewin in broad daylight on the fly (actually it was a little bit misty as can be seen from the picture on my blog)! That's certainly a first for me! Even more unusual though my brother-in-law John Banner caught a 'fresh as a daisy' grilse in bright sunlight soon afterwards, virtually in the same spot, thanks to my encouragement I might add! Just my luck!

I also experienced my closest encounter ever with an otter! We both startled each other! He or she leaped out of the water in surprise and so did I! Priceless!

I suppose there could be another reason for my lack of success! Perhaps my mind hasn't fully been on fishing? Having been blessed this year with my first beautiful granddaughter Sofia I must admit she is definitely weaving her spell on me!

3 sewin was the best I could do!

28th June 1 sewin 4lb (night)

3rd July 1 sewin 4lb (night)

13th Sept 1 sewin 7lb (fly by day)

but the best catch of the season for me was my gorgeous little granddaughter Sofia Marie who weighed in at an incredible 8lb 5oz! Priceless!!

Tight lines everyone!

Lets hope 2009 is better for the fishing!

Tim Wilkinson submits his end of season report!

2008-11-10T01:09:00.000-08:00

'For all of you that don't know me, this has been my first season with LAL and my first season sewin fishing. I have had a lot of help from Cerith, with him pointing out likely looking lies and demonstrating the art of fishing the 'Blackbird's Delight', along with ideas, help and encouragement from Andrew Holmes and Rodney Byles - I'd like to thank them all for their patience with a novice. Other anglers I have come across on our waters have always been kind, courteous and ready to offer advice - again, thank you to them.

Looking to my season, I did much less fishing than I'd hoped I would with the unsettled conditions (I live 2 hours away from Llangadog and can't risk a drive over if I'm not pretty certain of a chance of sport), but overall I was pleased with what I managed. In total I had 9 sewin on the bank, the biggest a touch under 7lb. All but one came to the night fly,with the remainder to a flying C. I tried the worm, but nothing doing (had a few taps but thought that these were parr?).

I'm now concentrating on Grayling in North Wales/Shropshire for the winter but I'm counting down the days to when I can be down at the waterside, watching the sun go down, dodging the bats flying low over the river and waiting for that SPLASH as a sewin enters the pool - you can't beat that sound to get your heart pumping.

Tight Lines all for 2009.'

Another end of season report!

2008-11-09T07:52:00.000-08:00

Rodney Byles tells us about his poor season!

I've been fishing the Llangadog AL water for well over 20 years and this was my worst season for fish caught. As I prefer to fish the fly at night and being a 400 mile round trip for me, conditions need to be reasonably settled. Unfortunately the river has been up and down like a fiddler's elbow this summer and I only managed three nights with the fly and not even a touch. I fished the spinner on a couple of other visits and on the penultimate day of the season on falling water and using Cerith's 12ft rod, I managed a nice fresh 9lb cock sewin on a silver toby. I would have released this fish but spinner well down and bleeding badly after quite a long fight.Hopefully conditions will be more settled next season to fish the night fly, otherwise it will be a change of tactics to fish the "garden fly" during the day.

Latest News - river stocking!

2008-11-07T01:23:00.000-08:00

For anyone who may be interested I am reliably informed that stocking of sewin and salmon will take place on Sunday 9th November 2008 at 11.00 am near the road bridge Llangadog. All members are welcome to come along!

Latest News - Cerith Booth sends in his 2008 Report!

2008-10-27T12:58:00.000-07:00

For me 2008 turned out to be a pretty good season all in all.

Being a local member I'm lucky to have the opportunity to go fishing any time that is convenient and fish the conditions as I see at that particular time.The river was up and down all summer, which favoured spinning and bait fishing.

In total I caught 17 sea trout including two double figure fish of 10lb and 11lb (the larger one was released) and one salmon which weighed 8.5lb.

A fine salmon of 8lb - 8 ozs

A 10 lb sewin!

This blog will prove to be a valuable asset to all members as I will try and update river height and conditions, and recent news as much as possible. Watch this space!

Cerith Booth

Latest News - End of Season!

2008-10-25T21:39:00.000-07:00

The 2008 season is now well and truly closed!

How has this 2008 season been for you? Did you have the season of a life time or did you blank? Why not join in the debate and let us know? We need your stories, comments and opinions so get writing NOW!

FISHERY MANAGEMENT

2008-10-25T12:15:00.000-07:00

Minutes of Committee Meeting 24th October 2008

http://www.scribd.com/doc/7592239/LAL-Minutes-of-the-Committeee-Meeting-on-Fri-24th-October-2008

MEMBERS IMAGES

2008-10-25T12:14:00.000-07:00

One of the best beats on the River Tywi! LAL's beat above the road bridge at Llangadog

courtesy of kingfisher images

Club Chairman Eifion Jones with other members carrying out essential maintenance

Spring 2008
courtesy of kingfisher images

Long time member John Banner with a lovely Tywi grilse!

courtesy of kingfisher images

A double figure sewin taken on the fly at night!

courtesy of Rodney Byles

LAL's beat - looking from the Car Park Pool down river to The Churns

courtesy of kingfisher images

The Tywi below LAL's fishery

courtesy of kingfisher images

Sewin!

courtesy of kingfisher images